ERIC Number: EJ1116156
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1040-9289
EISSN: N/A
Direct Experience with Nature and the Development of Biological Knowledge
Longbottom, Sarah E.; Slaughter, Virginia
Early Education and Development, v27 n8 p1145-1158 2016
Research Findings: An emerging consensus is that casual, direct contact with nature influences the development of children's biological knowledge. Here we review the existing literature on this topic, focusing on the effects of (a) rural versus urban rearing environments and (b) pet ownership and care on children's biological concepts and reasoning. Although the research is limited, the evidence suggests that these factors positively influence children's understanding of specific biological phenomena (e.g., internal organ function, biological inheritance) and reasoning patterns (e.g., anthropocentrism, ecological reasoning). Practice or Policy: In the modern context of diminishing outdoor playtime and limited experience with nature, this review highlights the importance of direct exposure to the natural world for children's conceptual development in the domain of biology.
Descriptors: Biology, Knowledge Level, Rural Urban Differences, Place of Residence, Natural Resources, Experience, Child Development, Ecology, Anthropology, Environmental Influences, Animals, Childhood Attitudes, Adolescent Attitudes, Adolescents
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A